09/04/2012

Hair Extensions 101 – Everything You Need to Know to Get Started

Hair extensions have been around for centuries though
recently the trend of using hair extensions has been more popular than it was
just a decade ago. Hair extensions can
be professionally integrated at a salon or it can be purchased from the
Internet, salons or beauty supply stores to be installed at home. For those considering hair extensions here
are some facts that will help you make more informed decisions when choosing your
hair extensions.

When it comes to hair extensions there are two
basic categories – artificial hair and natural human hair. In those categories there are then a wide
variety of subcategories to choose from.
High quality human hair can be styled and cared for like your own hair
whereas synthetic or artificial hair will melt or become damaged with some
styling techniques such as the use of a curling iron. Human hair is more expensive and lasts longer
but synthetic hair can be quite useful and affordable for changing up
hairstyles frequently.

How the extensions are integrated into the
person’s hair is the next consideration.
It can be a simple clip-in to longer lasting and semi-permanent
installation. Clip-ins often involve
several thin sections placed throughout the hair in strategic points to make
them disappear in the hairstyle and appear natural. More permanent installations allow the wearer
to sleep in their extensions and do normal hair maintenance and styling
including pulling the hair into up-styles or ponytails.

The next consideration is the length and type of
hair such as wavy, curly or straight.
Choose hair type in the style you will wear it. Your hair will last longer if you buy it
straight rather than buying it wavy or curly and then straightening it during
styling.

Color is then the next step but keep in mind
that natural hair can often be died to match your own hair color by a skilled
colorist.

Clip-in hair extensions are the least permanent and do not
cause damage to the hair as has been reported by other types of installation
such as glue extensions. When choosing
more permanent attachment types such as glue or fusion, which attaches
extensions with heat, it is important to select a professional to do the work
so as to avoid any permanent damage to the hair follicles. There are other types of installation such as
bonding, weaving, tracking and lace fronts.
Again, when using hair replacements or extensions it is important to use
a professional for a natural look if you are considering any type of
installation beyond clip-ins.

The quality of the hair can vary as well. The usual terminology to know is:

Virgin hair means that the hair has never been
chemically processed or colored.

Remy means that the hair is close to having all
of the strands organized with the roots in one direction. It is a term that is used to mean that the
hair was of high quality and would be long lasting and virtually tangle
free. However, this term is highly
abused by sellers and you should beware of using this term to determine
quality. Purchase from trusted sources
when choosing hair that is marketed as Remy.

Single drawn hair means that the hair was
collected and gathered with no more than a 2” difference in hairs. There can be some shorter than others in the
weft or gathering of the hair.

Double drawn means that the hair was more laboriously
gathered and there will be more uniformity between both ends of the extensions
with less thinning at the bottom.
Extensions in this category are more expensive than those that are
single drawn.